Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2022
Paul Cluver Seven Flags Chardonnay 2022 is a dry, medium-bodied white from Chardonnay (Elgin, South Africa), in the rich, round whites style. Acidity is fresh; oak influence is some. Good with shellfish, white fish, roast chicken, salmon. Drink now or within 10 years (to about 2032). No need to decant. Critic score 96/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru 'Sous Frétille', Pierre Meurgey 2017 Pierre Meurgey · Burgundy | £53.30 | |||
| Whitewolfe Estate KC4 Chardonnay 2023 | £53.00 | |||
| Fosil San Pablo Chardonnay Zuccardi 2023 Familia Zuccardi · Mendoza | £54.00 | |||
| Rully Blanc 1er cru Grésigny, Vincent Girardin 2021 Vincent Girardin · Burgundy | £54.00 |
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. The Seven Flags Chardonnay is a shining, golden wine with a clean nose of citrus fruits, green apple skin and fresh pear. It is an excellent expression of the Elgin terroir, which is located 40 km outside of Cape Town on the other side of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains to the world-renowned Stellenbosch region. Since its foundation in 1986, the family-run Paul Cluver Winery remains the benchmark producer of wine from the Elgin region. While the team is guided by husband and wife duo Paul and Songvei, a second generation of Cluvers is now firmly involved. Four of the five Cluver siblings are directly involved in the business. The region of Elgin was originally famous for its orchards, and that comes across on the palate of this wine. It is buttery yet crunchy and features delicious flavours of lemon, green apple, tropical fruits and brioche. The Elgin basin lies just 12 km from the ocean, so you can also find a refreshing tinge of salinity in every sip. The body of the wine is acidic and juicy with a smidgen of sweetness, but the tail is long and dry. Consider pairing this Chardonnay with shellfish and lemon, or a meaty white fish.